Nursing the Vestibular Patient

What age group of dogs is most commonly seen with Idiopathic Vestibular Disease?

Neonates

Young Adults

Geriatric

No particular age group

The Vestibular System is responsible for maintaining

Appetite

Balance and posture

Temperature

Heart rate

Clinical signs of Vestibular Disease can include:

Dizziness and Ataxia

Nystagmus and nausea

Head tilt and falling/rolling

All of the above

How is Idiopathic Vestibular Disease diagnosed:

Blood Tests

Physical Exam

Neurological Exam

Clinical signs in older dogs/cats where other causes of vestibular dysfunction have been ruled out

What does nystagmus mean?

Unsteady on feet

Vertical or horizontal rapid involuntary eye movement

Nausea

Dilated pupils

How often should recumbency care be performed?

4-6 hourly

Hourly

12 hourly

8-10 hourly

What medication might be prescribed by the veterinarian to help to reduce muscle spasms and provide some sedation to the patient?

Meloxicam

Diazepam

Maropitant

Amoxycillin

What could we do as nurses to encourage mobility and walking in a vestibular patient

Use sling support

Use non-slip mats on the floor

Verbal encouragement from owners/nurses

All of the above

When would the veterinarian recommend a vestibular disease patient be hospitalised?

a) Every case of vestibular disease should be hospitalised

b) Only cases of vestibular disease where the patient is not eating/drinking themselves

c) Vestibular disease cases who are not able to stand/walk around where owners cannot manage nursing care at home

b) and c)

What is the final rule in “Kirby’s rule of 20” for critical care and perhaps the most easily overlooked?

TLC

Comfort

Monitoring

Client communication

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Nursing the Vestibular Patient